Abstract

This study employs a sub-module concept to develop high-brightness light-emitting diode (HB-LED) fishing light arrays to replace traditional fishing light attractors. The horizontal/vertical (H/V) plane light intensity distribution curve (LIDC) of a LED light source are mapped to assist in the design of a non-axisymmetric lens with a fish-attracting light pattern that illuminates sufficiently large areas and alternates between bright and dark. These LED fishing light attractors are capable of attracting schools of fish toward the perimeter of the luminous zone surrounding fishing boats. Three CT2 boats (10 to 20 ton capacity) were recruited to conduct a field test for 1 y on the sea off the southwestern coast of Taiwan. Field tests show that HB-LED fishing light array installed 5 m above the boat deck illuminated a sea surface of 5 × 12 m and achieved an illuminance of 2000 lx. The test results show that the HB-LED fishing light arrays increased the mean catch of the three boats by 5% to 27%. In addition, the experimental boats consumed 15% to 17% less fuel than their counterparts.

Results of simulation test on an LED lighting module and array. (a) An LED lighting module model. (b) Luminous distribution of the sub-module. (c) The LIDC on the vertical plane. (d) The LIDC on the horizontal plane. (e) Simulation of the illuminated area by DIALux. (f) Luminous distribution on the illuminated area.

Installation and illumination of LED fishing light attractors. (a) LED lighting modules arrayed on the boatside. (b) An LED fish-attracting light illuminating a pier area. (c) The measured illuminance of an LED array fishing light.